Table of Contents

Transverse Shear of Thin-Walled Beams.......................................................................................... 1

1Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
2Objective........................................................................................................................................2
3Proof that the Shear Stresses are Aligned with the Median Line.................................................. 2
4Samples of Relevant Areas in Calculating the Shear Stress..........................................................5
5Sign Convention for the Shear Stress ......................................................................................... 6
5.1(a) Fluid Analogy.................................................................................................................. 6
5.2(b) Sign Convention.............................................................................................................. 6
6Response of Beams when V is Aligned with an Axis of Symmetry............................................. 7
6.1Example................................................................................................................................. 7
6.1.1Comments.......................................................................................................................8
6.2Example................................................................................................................................. 9
7Beams with V Perpendicular to an Axis of Symmetry Shear Center....................................... 12
7.1Example............................................................................................................................... 12
7.1.1Comments.....................................................................................................................14
7.2Example............................................................................................................................... 15
7.3Example............................................................................................................................... 17
7.3.1Comments.....................................................................................................................20
8Cross- Sections without Symmetry..............................................................................................21
9Tabulated Locations of the Shear Center.....................................................................................21
10References..................................................................................................................................22

Transverse Shear of Thin-Walled Beams1

1 Introduction
Beams are subjected to shear stresses given by =

VQ z
I zt

. A major difference between a thick

and a thin wall cross-section, is that the shear stresses for thin-walled beams are always aligned
with the median line of the cross-section, see the figure below.

is not
vertical

1 Ahmad Mansour

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The shearing force V causes pure bending without twisting moment, only when its line of action
passes through a specific point named the shear center (S). The shear centers for two cross-sections
are shown below (the centroids C are also depicted to show that S and C are in general two different
points):

V
Symmetry
S

S&C

V is not aligned
with S. Notice
the angle of
rotation .

For an I beam, the shear center is at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal axes of symmetry
(why?). On the other hand, the shear center of the channel section, lies along the horizontal axis of
symmetry. We should apply V by an attachment (which extends outside the borders of the
channel), in order to ensure that V passes through the shear center. Otherwise, the force V will
cause the cross section to twist by an angle , as shown above.

2 Objective
1. To prove that is aligned with the median line.
2. To determine the location of the shear center.
3. To evaluate for situations involving shear stresses due to simultaneous transverse forces
and twisting moments.

3 Proof that the Shear Stresses are Aligned with the Median Line
The vertical component of the shear stress in the flanges of the shown wide I beam is negligible
VQ z
because the thickness t in =
, equals bf which is large.
I zt

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vertical 0

bf

On the other hand, there is a significant component of along the median line. We will study the
equilibrium of the volume aba'b' (refer to figures a-c below). Where, the longitudinal surface aa' is
an external surface free from stresses. While surface bb' is an internal surface transmitting internal
forces.
In figure (b):
M 2 =M 1

dM 1
dx

dx=M 1 Vdx

My
Iz

Figure (c) shows the forces acting on the free body aba'b'. Faces ab and a'b' each has an area of Ao
and a first moment of area Qo. The forces F1 and F2 acting on faces a'b' and ab equal:
F 1=

a' b'

dA=

Ao

M
My
dA= 1 Q o
Iz
Iz

Similarly
F 2 =ab dA=

M2
Iz

Qo

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b' a'
a,b

a',b'

M2

M1

dx

V
dx

(a) A portion of the beam

of length dx

(b) Side view

b'

F1

a'
Free
edge

t
t dx

b
a

Ao
dx

Complementary

tdx = F2- F1

F2

(c) A free body diagram abb

Since,

F x=0

t dx=F 2 F 1 =

then
M 2M 1
Iz

Qo=

V o
Q dx
Iz

Hence,
q= t=

VQ
Iz

, and the shear stress =

VQ
I zt

Therefore, the complementary shear stress acting along the plane of the cross-section is aligned
with the median line, figure (c).

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4 Samples of Relevant Areas in Calculating the Shear Stress

The formula =

VQ
I zt

is valid for any thin-walled cross-section. The first moment of area Qo is

of an area bounded by free external edges from all sides and the internal surface at the generic point
p where is sought. For instance, the following figures show the relevant areas for calculating the
shear stress

V
a

p1

b
C

y
z

p2

y
z

p1

C
p2

p3
a
p

a
a=o

y
z

Note: Due to Symmetry

= 0 along the y-axis.

The shear stress at point 'a' of the above rectangular tube will be shown to equal zero. Hence, the
internal longitudinal surface passing through 'a' acts like a free edge. In order to prove that a = 0,
study the equilibrium of the following free body diagram
Since, Fx = 0 then
2 tdx = F2 F1 = (Q/Iz) V dx = 0
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Where Q = 0, because the area taken from the cross section is infinitesimally small. From now on,
we can use the symbol Q instead of Q0.

F1

tdx

tdx

t
F2

2
= o along the axis of symmetry

5 Sign Convention for the Shear Stress

The equilibrium equation determines the direction of the shear stress at any point in the crosssection. However, there are two handy methods to estimate the shear stress direction, namely:

5.1 (a) Fluid Analogy

The shear flow q at any junction, behaves like a fluid2. For instance at point 'b', the shear flow at
the web is downward and emanates from the junction 'b'. Hence, the shear flow q at each side of
the flange flows toward the junction 'b'. At junction 'd', the shear flow q along the horizontal
segment db flows out from 'd'. Hence, along the vertical segment, the two shear flows are directed
toward 'd'.

5.2 (b) Sign Convention

Draw an arrow (inside the area for which Q is to be evaluated) pointing to the point of interest (see
points a and b below). The direction of the arrow is the positive direction of in the formula
VQ
=
I z t . Where,
V is positive when it is downward.
Q is positive or negative depending on the location of its center of area. For point a, Q is positive,
and for b, Q is negative.
The shear formula gives a positive value for a and a negative value for b. Therefore, a is upward
2 q = 0 at any junction. Try to prove it. The proof is similar to the previous proof of = 0 at at the axis of
symmetry of a tube.

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in the direction of the arrow. Since, b is negative, its direction is opposite to that of the arrow.
Therefore, b flows in the upward direction.

y
z

y
C

Fluid Analogy:
q = 0 at junctions

Sign Convention

6 Response of Beams when V is Aligned with an Axis of Symmetry

This ensures that the beam is free from torsion. The following examples of sections 6.1 and 6.2
show how to calculate the shear stress distribution.

6.1 Example
Derive the expressions of the shear stress at point b and d in terms of the contour coordinates s and
r, refer to figure.
V = 10 kN

y
z

b
s

a
r

50 mm
b

y1= 45 mm

10

45

r/2

y2

40

Where, y2=40-r/2
A2=10 r, A1=10x50

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Solution:
1
(1004 804) = 4 920 000 mm4
12

Iz = Iy =

Shear stress along a-b.

Qz at b = (t s) 45 = 450 s mm3
b =

V Q z at b
I zt

10000450 s
=0.0914634 s MPa
492000010

The shear stress varies linearly with s. At s = 40 mm = 3.66 MPa.

Shear stress along the vertical segment.
Qz at d = A1 y1 + A2 y2 = (50) (10) (45) + 10 r (40 0.5 r) = 22500 + 10 r (40 0.5 r). mm3.
z at d =

V Qz
Izt

1
22500400 r 5 r 2
4920

The shear stress is maximum at the y = 0. We can check that by:

d
1
=
40010 r =0 Hence , r =40 mm
d r 4920

Therefore, the maximum shear stress = 6.2 MPa.

6.1.1 Comments

(1) The figure associated with this comment shows the direction and magnitude of the shear
stress.
(2) In solving the previous example, we have dealt with the actual dimensions of the crosssection. However, we may use median line representation of the cross-section. We simply
draw the median line and assume that each segment of the line has a thickness t, refer to
figure. The cross-section in effect is represented by partially overlapping rectangles.
Therefore, this introduces a slight inaccuracy in calculating the moment of inertia. On the
other hand, this method defines accurately the starting and ending points of each segment.
(3) The applied transverse force (V) is transmitted through the walls of the cross-section as
shown below. Where,
45

[]

s2
F h = t ds=0.914634
2
0

45
0

=926 N

The resultant of these forces is a vertical force V aligned with the axis of symmetry y (as
expected). However, for cross-sections without an axis of symmetry, the line of action of
the resultant force determines the location of (V) needed to avoid twisting of the crosssection.
Note that we used the median line length (45 mm) in calculating Fh.

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3.6 MPa

4.6 MPa
y

y
z

6.2

90 mm
Comment (1)
Median line representation
Comment (2)
Fh = 0.93 kN
y
0.5 V =
5 kN

0.5 V =
5 kN

90 mm

Comment (3)

6.2 Example
An inclined shearing force is applied to the same square tube of example (1), refer to the figure
below. Determine the shear stress and its direction at point d.

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10 kN
5 kN
10 mm
d

y
z

t = 10 mm
100 mm

Solution:
This inclined force has a vertical component of 10 kN acting along the y-axis of symmetry. The
horizontal component of 5 kN is not aligned with the symmetric z-axis. Therefore, replace this
force by a force passing through the z-axis and a twisting moment T = (5000)(50) = 250 000 N.mm.
Divide the problem into three separate ones as shown below. Calculate the shear stress at point d
for each case. Algebraically add the shear stresses of the three cases to get the required shear stress
at d.
Case (1) Vy = 10 000 N

10 kN

y1

y
z

Case (1)
= (V Qz) / (Iz t)

This case is that of example (1).

d = 5.28 MPa
Case (2) Vz = 5000 N

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y
5 kN

z = -45

10 mm
d

30
a (a = 0)

Qz of hatched area =
(30x10)(-45) mm3
The gives +ve direction.
Case (2) = (5000 Qy)/(Iyt)

d =

V zQy
I yt

The first moment of area Qy of the hatched area is:

Qy = (10 x 30) (-45) = -13 500 mm3
d =

500013500
=1.37 MPa
492000010

The shear stress equals 1.37 MPa , since the positive direction is upward.
Case (3) T = 250 000 N.m

T
y
z

Case (3) = T/(2tA0)

Since, the cross-section is closed then:

=

T
2 t A0

A0 = (90) (90) = 8100 mm2.

Hence,
d = 1.54 MPa
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Superposition
The three shear stresses are pointing downward. That is all of them have the same algebraic sign.
d = 5.28 + 1.37 + 1.54 = 8.2 MPa.
Question: What is the magnitude and location of the maximum shear stress?

7 Beams with V Perpendicular to an Axis of Symmetry Shear Center

Each of the following cross-sections has the z-axis as an axis of symmetry. For each beam, the
applied shearing force is in the y-direction. However, its line of action should be determined such
that it will not invoke torsional shear stresses.

V
V

y
z

y
c

y
z

e from the center

VQ
The transverse shear stresses calculated by = I t are associated with forces transmitted
z

through the wall of the cross-section. We can determine (by laws of statics) the line of action of the
resultant of these wall forces. This line of action is in itself the line of action of (V). In effect, we
determined where (V) should be applied. This ensures that (V) causes pure transverse shear stresses
without any torsional effects.
The intersection of the line of action of (V) and the z-axis is the shear center (denoted by S or SC
in subsequent figures). An inclined shearing force (with Vy and Vz components) passing through
the shear center will not induce twisting of the beam.
The following examples will demonstrate how to locate the shear center.

7.1 Example
Determine the location of the shear center (SC).

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a
V

100
c mm

SC
z
e?
d

50 mm

t = 6 mm

Solution:

We are going to represent the cross-section by its median line as shown below:

A = 6s

94 mm
z

47

47

I z=

1
1
6943 2 4763 476 472 =1662860 mm 4
12
12

Note that, the term involving t3 = 63 is very small compared to the other terms. It is usually omitted.
Qz along the upper flange ab in terms of s.
Qz = (6 s) 47 = 282 s mm3.
=

VQ
I zt

The force acting along the upper flange is Ff.

47

47

F f = t ds=

VQ
t ds=0.187309 V
I zt

By inspection, the force along the web bd equals V (Why?). In addition, the force acting along the
flange de equals Ff, refer to figure.

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Ff = 0.1873 V
(V)
V
p

47 mm

Ff

The figure shows also the resultant (or equivalent) force (V). Since, the resultant is equivalent to
the wall forces, its moment about any point in the plane equals to that of the three wall forces.
Take the moment about point p, refer to the previous figure.
(V) e = 0.1873 V x 94 = 17.607 V
Hence,
e = 17.6 mm
This is the distance from (V) to the median line of the web. The distance to the left wall of the web
is (17.6 - 3) = 14.6 mm.
The shear center is at the intersection of the line of action of (V) and the z-axis. It is a geometric
property which is not function of V.
7.1.1 Comments

(1) If the transverse force does not pass through the shear center, then the shear stress is composed
of transverse and torsional stresses, refer to the figures below.
a
V

y
SC

The maximum shear stress is at the inner wall of the web at y = 0 (point p)

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max =

V Q max
I zt

T
1 3
a6
3

, where a = (47 + 94 +47) = 188 mm

Note at y=0 and at the outer wall of the web, the stresses should be subtracted.

T = V a, cw
V

SC

SC

(2) We apply the transverse force at the shear center by using an attachment as shown below:

An attachment

7.2 Example
Determine the maximum shear stress and the position of the shear center S (i.e. the distance e) in
terms of the mean radius R and the thickness t.

V
y
S

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Solution:
=

VQ
I z t , where

Iz = 0.5 t R3

(half the value of a thin tube, refer to the figures below).

z
z

I z=

t R3
2

Iz = t R3

We want to get perpendicular to the radial line 3-4, located at an angle from the vertical
direction. Therefore, we need to get Qz for the area 1-2-3-4 using Q z = y dA . Where, dA is
bounded by two radial lines and ( + d).
dA = t R d with its centroid at y = R cos

dA = tRd

2
3

4
z

1
y = R cos()

Then,
dQ = y dA = t r2 cos d

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Q= dQ= t R2 cos d =t R2 sin

0

Therefore, at
2

V Q V t R sin 2 V
=
=
sin
Izt
t R
t R3
t
2

At = 90o, attains its maximum value,

max =

2V
Rt

The infinitesimal force at any angle is

dF = dA = t R d =

2
V d

dF
V
R

These infinitesimal forces transmitted through the wall are equivalent to the original force (V).
Take the moment of forces about O.

V e= R dF =
0

2V R
4 RV
sin d =

Hence,
e=

4R

7.3 Example
The equal-leg cross-section has a side length 'a' and a uniform thickness 't', refer to the figure below.
Determine the location of the shear center and the shear stress distribution.

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V
c

Solution:
The shear center is at the corner of the median line. The proof is simple. Assume the transmitted
forces along the upper and lower legs to be F1 and F2 as shown in the following figure. Since, (V) is
vertical then the horizontal components of F1 and F2 must vanish.

F1

(V)

y 45
c
45

e
F2

F1 = F2 = V / 2
e=0

Fx = 0 gives
-F1 cos(45) + F2 cos(45) = 0,
Hence, F1 = F2 = F
Moreover, Fy = (V) = 2 F sin(45)
F = V/2
M (about the corner of the median line) = (V) e = 0, since each force F passes through this point.
Therefore, e = 0 and the shear center is at the intersection of the median line of the upper and lower
legs. Note that this result is valid even for unequal-leg angle cross-sections.
Determination of the shear stress distribution.
Moment of inertia Iz = t a3 as is shown in the figure below.

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dr
r
45

I z =2 y dA=2 r sin
0

y = r sin 45

2
t a3
t dr =
4
3

The first moment of area of an area t s (refer to the figure below) is

Qz = (t s) (a - 0.5 x s) sin(45)

A=ts
a

t
y = (a - 0.5 s) sin 45

Hence,
=

s
s a V
2
2 t a
3

The maximum shear stress is at s = a,

max =

3 2 V
4 ta

The following figure sketches the direction and magnitude of the shear stress along the upper and
lower legs.

max

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7.3.1 Comments

(1) The angle a x a x t has Iz = t a3 / 3 and Iy t a3 / 12, with Iz / Iy = 4. A simple way to calculate Iy
is by using the formula Iy = I + I - Iz, where I = I = (5/24) t a3.

z
Iz = t a3/3 & Iy = t a3/12
Iz + Iy = I + I
Iz / Iy = 4

(2) Figure (a) shows a force P acting on a cantilever with length L. Figures (b) and (c) show the
shear stress distribution for each component of P parallel to the principal centroidal axes y and z
and passing through the shear center. The shear stress in figure (c) is calculated using Iy. The shear
stress distribution equals to the sum of the shear stresses of figures (b) and (c).

P/2 (N)

a
t

v (m)

(b)

(a)

P/2 (N)
y
w (m)
y

30

(m)
v s
w

(m)
s`

(c)

(d) The deflection is

the resultant of v & w

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(3) The deflection of the beam is shown in figure (d). It is not in the direction of P. The basic
equation of deflection is u = (F L3) / (3 E I), where I is a principal centroidal moment of inertia.
The deflection v and w of figures (b) and (c) are
v = ( P L3) / (32 E Iz) and
w = ( P L3) / (32 E Iy)
Hence,
w Iz
= =4
v Iy

Figure (d) shows how to get the deflection. Try to get the angle of inclination and the magnitude of
the deflection . This deflection response emphasizes the importance of dealing with the principal
directions. Note most finite element programs have three dimensional beam elements that model
this out of plane response.

8 Cross- Sections without Symmetry

This case is beyond the scope of this course. However, the shear center of unequal-leg angle and a
Z-section are easy to derive. The locations of their shear centers are given below:

S&C

9 Tabulated Locations of the Shear Center

The position of the shear center of the following cross-sections is calculated by e =A/B. Where A
and B are listed below. The cross-sections are represented by their median lines. We can get ''e''
for a channel section by letting a = 0 for cases (1), (2), or (3). (The problem set of the textbook by
Gere and Timoshenko contains a large number of cases.)
a
a

S
e

b
case (1)

case (2)

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a
S

S
e

h
e

case (4)

case (3)

Case number A

h2

(1)

3bh2(b+2h) - 8ba3 h2(h+6b+6a) + 4a2(2a-3h)

(2)

3bh2(b+2h) - 8ba3 h2(h+6b+6a) + 4a2(2a+3h)

(3)

3bh2(b+2h) - 8ba3 h2(h+6b) + 4a(3h2+4a2+6ah)

(4)

3b2(h2+h22)

h3 + 6b(h2+h22)

10 References
1. S. E. Bayoumi, Mechanics of Deformable Solids, Cairo University, 1971.
2. F. P. Beer, E.R. Johnston Jr, and J.T. DeWolf, Mechanics of Materials, 4th ed. (SI units), McGraw-Hill, New
York, 2006.
3. A.P. Boresi, and R.J. Schmidt, Advanced Mechanics of Materials, 6th ed., John Wiley, New York, 2003.
4. R.R. Craig, Jr, Mechanics of Materials, 2nd , John Wiley, New York, 2000.
5. J.M. Gere, and S.P. Timoshenko, Mechanics of Materials, 3rd SI ed., Chapman & Hall, London, 1992.
6. R. C. Hibbeler, Mechanics of Materials, SI 2nd ed., Prentice Hall (Pearson Education), Singapore, 2005.
7. A. Pytel, and J. Kiusalaas, Mechanics of Materials, Thomson : Brooks/Cole, Pacific Grove, CA, 2003

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